Thriftbooks: Is It Legit? Customer Reviews & Experiences
Is ThriftBooks the Literary Treasure Trove it Claims to Be, or a Digital Mirage? The answer, as with many things online, is complex, riddled with both praise and peril, and ultimately dependent on individual experiences. The world of online book sales is a bustling marketplace, and ThriftBooks has positioned itself as a major player. But is it all it's cracked up to be?
The echoes of customer experiences paint a multifaceted picture. "I used to work there," one voice whispers, offering a peek behind the curtain. "Quality does vary," they caution, "because its up to a human receiver who is moving very fast due to being paid by speed." This suggests a potential trade-off between speed and meticulousness, a reality of the fast-paced world of online retail. And while the promise of affordable books is alluring, the process itself has its drawbacks. "Also, yes shipping is slow," they admit, pointing to the complexities of "two different shipping systems in play," a common challenge in the e-commerce landscape.
The sentiments are far from uniform. Some customers have voiced strong dissatisfaction, with one declaring, "Thriftbooks is a total scam. Shame on them!" This stark assessment stems from concerns over perceived dishonesty and the functionality of promotions. "Thriftbooks is a total scam with coupon codes that don't get deducted and free books that are not free," they lament, adding that "To get the free earned book you have to spend another $30." This highlights a potential frustration with deceptive advertising and unclear terms of service. "Avoid this store like the corona virus, they are extremely dishonest!" they warn.
On the other hand, many customers have found the experience positive, praising the affordability and selection. "I love thriftbooks for used books," one user shares. They describe the process as straightforward, but also note the potential for discrepancies in the quality of the books. "Theyre not always accurate about the condition quality of books sometimes though so you may get one in worse condition than its listed." This sentiment is balanced by others like "So well priced, the condition descriptions have been accurate, free shipping, and a great selection." Another affirms, "I order from thriftbooks all the time and have never had an issue with like new or very good and their customer service is great (replaced all my books for free when i shipped to the wrong address)."
The reviews and ratings available online paint a picture of a business with a complex reputation. While some customers have had positive experiences, others have encountered issues that have led to dissatisfaction. To assist in a more detailed understanding of ThriftBooks, here is a breakdown of key aspects:
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Company Overview |
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Products Offered |
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Pricing |
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Shipping |
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Customer Service |
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Trustworthiness |
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Controversies |
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Customer Reviews |
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Alternatives |
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Reward Program |
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The range of experiences underscores the challenges inherent in evaluating an online service. "Just fyi, thriftbooks isn't one entity selling all the books," one insightful voice shares. "The communications you probably had were with the individual seller, similar to the amazon marketplace." This explanation reveals a crucial aspect of the ThriftBooks model: it operates, at least in part, as a marketplace, connecting buyers with a diverse range of sellers. While this allows for a vast selection and competitive pricing, it also introduces the possibility of varying quality and service levels.
One consistent complaint is the packaging. "My only issue with thriftbooks is that they dont ship books in boxes. They ship them in a plastic bag package," one reviewer notes. This practice, while perhaps cost-effective, raises concerns about the books' condition during transit. "So if the book was decent or in good condition when it was original shipped, then that could totally change once it starts getting shipped from location to location," the reviewer cautions.
When it comes to deciding whether ThriftBooks is a scam or not, the consensus is that it is a legitimate company. "Thriftbooks is legal, safe, and most definitely not a scam," the review says. While other reviews affirm how great a company they are and how great their experience was with purchasing books, customer experiences still vary considerably. The mixed reviews reflect the complexities of the online book-selling business.
The customer reviews, both good and bad, underscore the importance of due diligence. While the prices may be tempting, it's essential to factor in potential downsides, like shipping times and the condition of the books. Researching the specific seller and reading recent reviews can help. It is recommended that readers check the reviews and trust scores before making any purchase. By understanding the multifaceted nature of ThriftBooks, readers can make informed decisions and cultivate a rewarding experience in the world of bargain books.
The fact that the book selling business has been around since 2003 suggests that the platform is legitimate and has established itself in the market. The company's presence in the US with international shipping options further indicates its global reach. The mixed reviews that users have shared about the company do not guarantee satisfaction and it does seem that the quality and condition descriptions of books are not always consistent.
Thriftbooks is not a BBB accredited business. To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB standards for trust and pass BBB's vetting process. This may be a consideration for some consumers when assessing trustworthiness. "In our widening virtual worldmade even more so by the pandemicwe are right to question what is on the other side of the glowing screen." It's essential to approach online transactions with a degree of caution, particularly when dealing with used goods.
The reward program is an attempt to retain the customers and gain new ones. However, the success of the system may depend on how well the company fulfills its promises. A lot of readers are satisfied with the prices and selection of the books, other than that, the company has received mixed reviews. For an avid reader or book collector, the prospect of growing a home library without a huge cost is very promising.
The buyback program provides another option for consumers to save costs, to have more cash or credit to spend. Based on the reviews, Scamadviser thinks that the website is safe to access. Countless readers have shared their encounters with ThriftBooks on Reddit, book forums, and social media. Many sing praises about snagging a complete hardcover set of a famous series at bargain prices.
To aid in your own assessment, it is advised to explore alternative websites and sources. This will provide readers with a wider range of choices. It is also advised to keep in mind that the experiences with thriftbooks can differ according to their own preferences and expectations. Readers should exercise due diligence and make informed decisions.


